Stackable Tote Box Shelving

ABSTRACT

Tote box with lid that can be stacked one on top of another, open side out, so as to act as a bookshelf. The lid shall act as a means of locking individual boxes together. Raised ridges and opposing grooves strategically placed on the outside shall provide means of interlocking separate boxes, as well as, providing increased structural stability. Boxes, independently, will act as tote box. Items may be stored and transported in a covered box that will provide a place to keep items dry, clean and separated from other items. Boxes stacked vertically and/or horizontally will form bookshelf, offering a means of displaying and organizing items. Boxes preferably shall be made of rigid plastic (or similar material) and manufactured by injection molding (or similar means).

CROSS REFERANCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable

REFERANCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX

Not applicable

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to improvements and the combining of tote boxes and bookshelves, so as to create a system of storing, transporting and displaying items including, but not limited to, books.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Tote boxes and shelving have been around for a long time. It has become my intent to combine the two in an effort to alleviate certain inconveniences with storage and transport.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a means of combining the benefits of both tote boxes and bookshelves.

Tote box made of rigid plastic (or comparable material), made by injection molding (or comparable means). Box shall be comprised of 3 sets of parallel sides. One side, the front, shall be removable so as to form a lid as shown in drawings to follow. The lid shall be made so as to lock onto the front or the back as described in the drawings to follow. Four sides shall have opposing splines and grooves that will fit together on separate boxes so as to hold them in position when stacked on top or beside one another. These sides shall be top, bottom, left and right sides. Individual boxes shall act as tote boxes. Boxes stacked on top of or beside each other shall form a bookshelf. The lid shall act as a means of locking individual boxes together when stacked with one another as to make a bookshelf.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1. Shows a view of front, top and right side.

FIG. 2. Shows a view of the front, bottom and left side.

FIG. 3. Shows a view of the splines and grooves as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4. Shows a view of the back.

FIG. 5. Shows a top view of the lid.

FIG. 6. Shows a side view of the lid.

FIG. 7. Shows a view of the lid in a closed, secured, position against the lip of the box.

FIG. 8. Shows a view of the lid securing mechanism.

FIG. 9. Shows a view of several boxes stacked together in both horizontal and vertical positions, secured by the lid.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1 and 2 depict top and bottom sides of invention, as well as left and right. Items A, B, C and D are splines that will fit into corresponding grooves E, F, G and H, respectively. The effect of which shall be to lock boxes together so as not to shift apart. Conversely splines A and B or C and D may fit into grooves G and H or E and F, respectively, causing boxes to be stacked half over each other rather than one on top of another. Items A-L shall also help to provide structural support.

FIGS. 1 and 2 also depict I and J as splines that will fit into grooves K and L, respectively. Items M and N are lips formed to retain lid and provide structural support.

FIG. 3 depicts grooves and corresponding splines, whereas O shall be both lid lip height and groove height. P shall be height of spline (150-175% of O) so as to fit into the groove.

FIG. 4 depicts rear of box whereas N shall be the lid lip and Q shall be a recessed portion caused by the raised sections of said lip, resulting in a groove for the lip of the lid to fit into and snap into place. The rear shall be divided into four separate sections. This will allow the lid to fit over one, two or all four sections of one box as well as the corresponding sections of an adjacent box or boxes. The lid shall provide a means of securing two, three or four boxes either vertically or horizontally.

FIG. 5 depicts a lid for the box. Made of molded plastic also the lid should have a raised section on top with seams to add rigidity and stability. Lid shall also have a lip extending downwards with a clasping mechanism shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.

FIG. 6 depicts an edge view of lid showing the raised portion on top as well as the lip extending downward.

FIGS. 7 and 8 depict the lid clasping mechanism. U shall be the sidewall of the box. T shall be the lid lip. S shall be the lid. R shall be a retaining tab formed into the edge of the lip of the lid to catch under lid lip T. V shall be a retaining bracket extending down from lid S allowing for increased pressure and stability between lid lip and retaining tab.

FIG. 9 depicts one possible way the lid may be affixed to the back of a stack of boxes for the purposes of securing a bookshelf together. 

1. The ornamental design of an interlocking, stackable tote box shelving assembly.
 2. A new and unique means of storing, transporting, and displaying diverse materials including, but not limited to books. 